So it makes me wonder--would my books have been more successful featuring non-Asian elements on the cover? Pretty much all of my books are Asian-American with obvious Asian covers, a conscious choice on my part. I'm delighted, honored and proud when my books are embraced. But being a multicultural author has always been a double-sided sword. On one hand there are some who feel "you got it easy, your culture is getting you published" and on the other side there are those who feel "those books will never be bestsellers, mainstream America doesn't read your kind of books."

For me, I realized the only way I could hold such a double-sided sword was just to stop fighting with it. And so far, it seems to be working. I'm extremely grateful that I've been able to build a career out of my books. I wouldn't change anything and have no plans to; but when something like Cindy Pon's cover redesign happens, I always wonder if the success I have had is because my books are multicultural or in spite of it? If Where the Mountain Meets the Moon had a different cover--say, with just a photograph of a misty mountain, would it have reached even more people? How would things be different?

**just to be clear, my publisher has NO intention of changing the cover of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon; the 2nd "alternative" cover is just a pretend mock-up to illustrate what my book could look like if it were "whitewashed"

I don't think anyone is seeing an asian person on the cover and thinking "I don't want to read it." That's crazy! The first cover is better for your book--it fits. I think the second one would make for a great movie poster. It makes me think your book could be live action... like the characters are walking into a real live environment. Just do what you do best and stop worrying about it! You won the Newbery honor! Your books are going to be around for a long time and the design of that cover is beautiful. I do understand the urge to wonder - what if. All authors do it. And it's fun and educational to analyze.

In the tradition of theRed Rose Girls, a group of children's book professionals (authors, illustrators, an editor, and one former librarian) discuss everything kidlit related; from industry news and the ever-changing world of publishing to the creative process with all its frustrations and inspirations. Please join us in the discussion!

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The opinions expressed on this blog are not affiliated with our respective publishers or employers, nor should they be seen as a representation of the companies we work for or with. The individual opinions expressed on this blog also do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the other contributors to this blog.